Physical Symptoms of Anxiety | Stellar Insight Counseling
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety | Stellar Insight Counseling
This content is provided as common knowledge and may used for general self-improvement purposes but may not be used as medical advice or treatment.
If you notice any changes in your health immediately consult with your healthcare provider(s).
If you or someone you love are experiencing a crisis call the 988 Crisis Line.
What are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety Disorders in the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
Having an honorable mention within a book about mental disorders, anxiety is popular: about 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder (NAMI).
People with anxiety often “catastrophize,” or conjure the worst possible outcome and are unable to control worry or fear.
I have written how anxiety can be helpful (which it can be), but other times anxiety symptoms may be mistaken for a heart attack.
Long-term Untreated Symptoms of Anxiety May Lead to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog
- Poor sleep
- High stress levels
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure
- Poor emotional regulation skills
- Feelings of inadequacy
- and more
Habits that Promote Health & Well-Being
Anxiety can present in various sneaky ways, and that’s why mental health professionals (namely counselors, psychologists, therapists, clinical social workers, and psychiatrists) are uniquely trained to identify and treat anxiety related mental health disorders.
In addition to worrying or fear, anxious thoughts can lead to physical symptoms. Physical symptoms of anxiety are complicated and may be overlooked.
Less Commonly Known Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
Frequent fidgeting with hands or shaking foot while sitting
Increased heartbeat when triggered or nervous
Feeling sweaty or hot all over
Dizzy, lightheadedness
Difficulty taking full deep breaths when anxious
Tension in body (e.g., hands, feet, neck, jaw, lower stomach, back, calves)
Upset stomach, nausea, indigestion
Frequent headaches, migraines
Trouble with memory or concentration
Anxiety being the sneaky little disorder that it is, rarely exists by itself: it’s opportunistic and tends to show up alongside another disorder (such as depression, PTSD, a new chronic illness, or physical health diagnosis).
No two people have the exact same symptoms of anxiety.
Anxiety is a treatable and manageable experience.
As a therapist with anxiety, I know how unsettling symptoms can be AND how freeing it is to find comfort and joy in the present moment (instead of worrying over the future or past).
Anxiety disorders can impact people at any age, and women are more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety related disorder.
Just because anxiety is common does not mean it is “normal.”
Group Therapy for Women with Anxiety Alaska
About the Author
Hello! My name is Nicole Zegiestowsky, M.S. (she/her) and I am a pre-licensed online therapist in Alaska (supervisor info: Dr. Hannah Ekstrom, #196093, #125200).
I provide online individual and group counseling to neurodivergent adults, LGBTQ+ populations, and perinatal/postpartum populations who live in Alaska.
During my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with my pets.
If you live in Alaska and are searching for a new therapist, call me today to schedule a free 20-minute initial consultation to see if we are good fit.